Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra minister Hussain Dalwai has urged the state government to restructure the committee formed to prepare the draft for the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC), saying it should include representatives from the Muslim and Christian communities.
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday, Dalwai objected to the composition of the seven-member panel, arguing that a law affecting all communities should not be drafted without wider consultation.
‘UCC Concerns Every Community’
Dalwai said the Uniform Civil Code is a sensitive issue that affects people of every religion and community and therefore requires an inclusive approach.
“UCC is a sensitive issue which concerns every community, religion and segment of society. Therefore, the government should hold dialogue with representatives of all religions and communities. It should invite and hold discussions with all social organisations. Only after taking into consideration suggestions and objections from all sections should the government take a final decision on this subject,” he said in the memorandum.
Expressing concern over the present composition of the committee, Dalwai added, “On matters like UCC you cannot have a selective approach. Wider consultations will give it greater weightage and credibility. The suggestions and objections from various groups are necessary for any legislation, especially on sensitive issues like UCC.”
Calls for Inclusive Committee
Dalwai clarified that he was not taking an extreme position against the proposed legislation but questioned the government’s decision-making process.
“My concern is that the government cannot suo moto take a decision for people on such matters. It has to give an audience to every segment of society and religion. This is also the spirit of the Indian Constitution,” he said.
Highlighting the absence of religious diversity in the committee, he said, “Such a non-inclusive approach does not augur well for democracy and the inclusive tradition that is integral to Maharashtra.”
He urged the government to reconstitute the committee by including representatives from the Muslim and Christian communities.
Maharashtra Plans UCC Bill in Winter Session
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently announced the formation of a seven-member committee to draft rules for implementing the Uniform Civil Code in Maharashtra. The committee is headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai and is expected to submit its report within six months.
The panel also includes former Bombay High Court judges Justice R.C. Chavan and Justice S.G. Mehare, former Maharashtra Chief Secretary D.K. Jain, former Advocate General Birendra Saraf, social activist Ramesh Patange and educationist Dr. Suvarna Rawal.
Announcing the committee, Fadnavis said, “The government will bring the UCC in the Nagpur winter session. The seven-member committee will evolve the draft legislation. The government wants to place the UCC Bill before both Houses of the state legislature for discussion and passage during the winter session.”
